Romanian citizenship by descent

Romanian citizenship by descent, also known as citizenship by ancestry or jus sanguinis, allows individuals to acquire Romanian citizenship based on their familial ties to Romanian citizens. The specific rules and requirements for obtaining Romanian citizenship by descent are determined by Romanian nationality law, and they may be subject to change.

How to get citizenship by descent in Romania

To be eligible for Romanian citizenship by descent, you typically need to fulfill the following criteria:

1. Direct lineage. You must have at least one parent who is a Romanian citizen at the time of your birth. In some cases, Romanian citizenship can also be obtained through grandparents, but this is subject to certain conditions.
2. Documentation. You will need to gather and submit relevant documentation to prove your lineage and connection to a Romanian citizen. This may include birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other supporting documents.
3. Registration or application. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to register your birth or apply for citizenship at a Romanian embassy or consulate. The specific process and requirements may vary, so it’s important to consult with the nearest Romanian diplomatic mission for accurate and up-to-date information.
4. Language and residency requirements. In certain cases, you may need to demonstrate knowledge of the Romanian language and/or fulfill residency requirements. These requirements can vary depending on factors such as the age of the applicant, their place of birth, and the date of their parent’s acquisition of Romanian citizenship.

Documentation and Application

Here is a general overview of the required documents and the application process:

1. Birth certificates. You will need to provide your birth certificate as well as the birth certificate(s) of the Romanian citizen ancestor(s) through whom you are claiming citizenship. These documents should be official copies with apostille or legalization, depending on the requirements of your country.
2. Marriage certificates. If applicable, you may need to provide marriage certificates for your parents or grandparents to establish the lineage.
3. Proof of Romanian citizenship of the ancestor.: You will need to provide evidence that your Romanian ancestor(s) were Romanian citizens at the time of their birth or at the time of your birth. This can include their Romanian passports, identity cards, or other official documents.
4. Proof of the relationship. You will need to demonstrate your relationship to the Romanian citizen ancestor(s) through official documents such as birth certificates or marriage certificates.
5. Other supporting documents. Depending on your specific case, you may need to provide additional documents, such as evidence of name changes, divorce certificates, or legal adoption papers, if applicable.

Dual Citizenship

Romania allows dual citizenship, which means that you can hold Romanian citizenship along with the citizenship of another country. The Romanian government permits its citizens to acquire or retain foreign citizenship while still being recognized as Romanian citizens. This means that you do not have to renounce your current citizenship.